Does anyknow if the rebuilt drive axle that can be purchased from NAPA for about $60 is indeed the same GM axle as the OEM? I pulled the drivers side axle, which had a ruined boot at the inner (differential) end, with grease slung everywhere, and replaced it with a "new" axle purchased from O'Reilly's for about $80. The axle lasted about a week, and then started making a racket much worse that the original axle problem. When I pulled it out, it can out in two pieces; the CV joint had actually come apart. When comparing the two joints, it was apparently that the cheap O'Reilly's joint was not at all the same as the GM join; no ball bearing in the cheap one, just some type of U joint design.

So does anyone know if the rebuilt axle from NAPA will be rebuilt with the original joint design as the GM axle.

If not, I am prepared to rebuild the one I have. Apparently the boot kit part number is GM #88952507, but it cost about as much as the whole rebuilt axle from NAPA.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I am new on here and have a 2002 corvette that was purchased new in November 2001. It only has about 45K miles, but did take a hard wack in the rear a few years back; I find it hard to believe my axle problem is stemming from something else, since the accident was several years back, and the alignment of the car was actually better after the accident (the guy did a masterful job putting it back together).

 

If your original axle (02) was replaced soon after you discovered the black molly greese every where, you shoulds be fine with replacing the (outer?) boot.

I would highly recommend going with the GM boot kit, which consist of boot, molly grease, 2 clamps, & using your 02 axles.

You will need to borrow or purchase pliers that will properly pull the clamps to their propper fit/tightness.

You will need a bench vise to make things easier to seperate the joint to install the boot kit.

I recentlyon my (03 Z ) did both axles with the GM kits. I used an old tech post on how to do this proceedure.

If your wanting to do this yourself, give me a pm & I'll pass the instructions along to you.

Good luck.

 

Thanks bumble-z for the reply. It is the inner boot kit that I need; where did you buy your boot kits? The dealer told me they did stock them anymore. I believe the gm part number for the inner boot kit is 88952507. And it appears the getting the bands on can be a challenge.

 

Putting the bands on, is quite easy, with the proper band pliers. It's taking the joint apart & putting back together that takes a little time.

I ordered the kits from Gene Culley ,GM parts. ( A vendor here on the forum) You have probably seen one of his adds here on the C/5 parts 4 sale section. Look for his phone # from one of his adds & give him a call.

 

Thanks again. I suppose the NAPA rebuilt axle is just too cheap at $60 (and $84 core) that it must not be an OEM joint.

 

The brand new aftermarkets that I have seen were made in china.
Cost around $70. with a lifetime warranty.

I've read on previous posts where the band clamp came loose & caused problems. One posted that the clamp came apart & wrapped around the brake line, taking it out. Not to mention the mess from all the grease afterwards.

Good luck.

 

The napa axle are rebuilt with the cheapest parts available.

 

so the napa rebuilds are no better than the china new ones? the one from china lasted a week, and then no only did it fail, when i took it out, it came out it two pieces; the excuse for a cv joint (just a u joint of some sort) came completely apart.... looks like you answered my question... i need to order the boot kit and just put mine back together.... thanks....